Computer system and karaoke system

ABSTRACT

A computer system includes storage device for storing a plurality of object files, each file including a program and information on the genre of music, and said computur system selecting an object file from the storage device and executing a program stored in the selected object file.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a computer system capable ofautomatically creating a list of a plurality of object files to beexecuted and a karaoke system comprising the computer system.

2. Related Art

As is publicly known, a communication karaoke system has achievedwidespread. The system delivers music information for karaoke purposesto karaoke terminals disposed in bars, such as karaoke bars, from a hostcomputer installed in the center station over a communications line. Inparticular, a recently known karaoke system offers users newly releasedmusic and a variety of information items in the form of commercialmessages run in between karaoke performances.

Further, another type of karaoke system is conceived which offers usersinformation services, such as games and tour information, as well ascommercial messages.

In the karaoke industry, the rendering of a variety of informationservices such as games and guidance to the user is briskly planned. Thistype of information service can be also applied to a common computersystem, like the one in the communication karaoke system.

With the increasing number of types of information services to beoffered through the karaoke system, a menu of available services becomesnecessary. In many cases, however, commercial messages and informationservices to be offered may differ from karaoke bar to karaoke bar. Forthis reason, one is required to prepare an individual menu for eachkaraoke bar, which results in laborious work. It is desirable to changethe contents of commercial messages and information servicescorresponding to seasons and time periods in order to respond tocustomer needs. However, it becomes necessary to modify the menu eachtime the commercial messages and information services are changed.

Specifically, it is preferable to provide a service in view of anindividual status, such as age, sex, favorite while using the karaoke.However, in this case, it is necessary to prepare the menu depending oneach individual. Thus, it becomes difficult to achieve this purpose.

A conventional computer system and a karaoke system using the computersystem have failed to grasp what kind of information service isaccessed, which in turn makes it impossible to know customer needs andmarket trends.

Some of information services are pay services, and therefore it becomesnecessary to charge for the information services. However, aconventional karaoke system is not designed so as to sufficiently copewith accounting operations. For this reason, the conventional karaokesystem has encountered problems when offering pay information services.

When a variety of information services such as commercial messages areoffered, the services are generally offered in the form of a file thathas descriptions of controls related to the display of contents or keyoperations. This file is read and executed by a CPU of a karaoketerminal, whereby predetermined information services are offered. Suchinformation services can be offered through a common computer system asthrough the karaoke system.

However, a file used in conventional information services comprisesprogram portions and data portions in an inseparable manner. Forexample, even in the case of a file using the same data (e.g., image ormusical sound data), the system has such a structure that each fileindividually holds data.

With the increasing number of information service to be offered throughthe karaoke system, there arises the issue of how to access a desiredservice from a normal karaoke performance mode.

Specifically, provided that complicated operations or much time isrequired to access a service, the service may not be used even if manyservices are prepared.

It was impossible for the conventional karaoke system to accept akaraoke request while the information service is being offered. If thisbecomes possible, it will be very convenient for the user.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-describeddrawbacks in the related art background, and the primary object of thepresent invention is to provide a karaoke system capable of quicklyoffering a desired service with simple operations. Another object of thepresent invention is to provide a karaoke terminal capable of easilyaccepting a karaoke request while an information service is offered.Such a problem arises in a computer system which offers a variety ofinformation services as well as the karaoke system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-describeddrawback in the related background art, and the primary object of thepresent invention is to provide a computer system capable ofautomatically generating a menu corresponding to changes in informationservices to be offered, and a karaoke system employing that computersystem.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer systemcapable of automatically generating a menu according to the individualstatus of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer systemand a karaoke system that make it possible to know customer needs andmarket trends by grasping the use of information services.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke systemcapable of performing accounting operations even when providing payinformation services.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer systemand a karaoke system that are capable of sharing data to be used (e.g,image, musical sound, or sound source data) among files which provideservices, in the case where a variety of information services such ascommercial messages are rendered.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke systemcapable of quickly offering a desired service with simple operations.Another object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke terminalcapable of easily accepting a karaoke request while an informationservice is offered.

To solve the above-described drawback, a computer system of the presentinvention is provided with storage means for holding a plurality ofobject files, each file including a program and information on the genreof music. The computer system selects an object file from the storagemeans and executes a program stored in the selected object file. Thecomputer system further comprises retrieval means for retrieving objectfiles classified in a specified genre, list generating means forgenerating a list consisting of titles that correspond to the objectfiles retrieved by the retrieval means, and display means for displayingthe list generated by the list generating means.

According to the present invention, the computer system is provided bythe fact that each object file has title information for use indisplaying a title that suits the contents of that object file, and thatthe list generating means generates the list on the basis of the titleinformation contained in the object file retrieved by the retrievalmeans.

According to the present invention, the computer system is provided bycomprising genre determination means for determining the specified genrein response to a user's operations.

A karaoke system of the present invention employs the computer systemdescribed above. The karaoke system is provided by comprising karaokeplaying means which stores karaoke music information in the storagemeans, synthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke musicinformation from the storage means, and produces an output by mixing thesynthesized musical sound with a voice input through a mike. The karaokesystem further comprises switching means for switching between theexecution of the object file and the performance of karaoke musiccarried out by the karaoke playing means.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that the performance of karaoke music carried out by thekaraoke playing means is described in the program of the object file asa selectable instruction.

According to the present invention, a computer system includes storagemeans for storing a plurality of object files, each file including aprogram and information on the genre of music, and that selects anobject file from the storage means and executes a program stored in theselected object file, the improvement being provided by comprising: IDinformation reading means for reading ID information that includespersonal information of a user; genre determination means fordetermining an individual genre corresponding to the personalinformation read by the ID information reading means; retrieval meansfor retrieving object files which fall within both a specified genre andthe individual genre determined by the genre determination means; listgenerating means for generating a list consisting of titles thatcorrespond to the object files retrieved by the retrieval means; anddisplay means for displaying the list generated by the list generatingmeans.

According to the computer system of the present invention, each objectfile has title information for use in displaying a title that suits thecontents of that object file, and the list generating means generatesthe list on the basis of the title information contained in the objectfile retrieved by the retrieval means.

According to the computer system of the present invention, there isprovided genre determination means for determining the specified genrein response to a user's operations.

A karaoke system that employs the computer system described above,includes karaoke playing means which stores karaoke music information inthe storage means, which synthesizes a musical sound by reading thekaraoke music information from the storage means, and which produces anoutput by mixing the synthesized musical sound with a voice inputthrough a mike; and switching means for switching between the executionof the object file and the performance of karaoke music carried out bythe karaoke playing means.

According to the karaoke system of the present invention, theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means isdescribed in the program of the object file as a selectable instruction.

According to the karaoke system of the present invention, the IDinformation is stored in an ID card, and the ID information readingmeans is made up of an ID card reader.

To solve the above-described problem, a computer system of the presentinvention, includes storage means for storing a plurality of objectfiles, each file including a program and information on the genre ofmusic, as well as selecting an object file from the storage means andexecuting a program stored in the selected object file. The computersystem is provided by comprising determination means for determiningwhether or not each object has been executed, and execution statusstorage means for storing a determination result, which is made by thedetermination means, for each object

A computer system of the present invention, includes storage means forstoring a plurality of object files, each file including a program andinformation on the genre of music, as well as selecting an object filefrom the storage means and executing a program stored in the selectedobject file. The computer system is provided by comprising determinationmeans for determining whether or not each object has been executed, andnumber-of-times storage means for storing how many times each object hasbeen executed, on the basis of a determination result of thedetermination means.

According to the present invention, the computer system is provided byfurther comprising menu generation means for generating a menu for theobject which changes the sequence of display of menus on the basis ofthe number of times each object is executed that is stored in thenumber-of-times storage means.

A karaoke system of the present invention employs the computer systemdescribed above. The karaoke system is provided by comprising karaokeplaying means which stores karaoke music information in the storagemeans, which synthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke musicinformation from the storage means, and which produces an output bymixing the synthesized musical sound with a voice input through a mike;and switching means for switching between the execution of the objectfile and the performance of karaoke music carried out by the karaokeplaying means.

To solve the above-described drawbacks, a karaoke system, according tothe present invention, includes a computer system that selects an objectfile from storage means for holding a plurality of object filesincluding programs and executes a program stored in the selected objectfile. The karaoke system is provided by comprising karaoke playing meanswhich stores karaoke music information in the storage means, whichsynthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke music informationfrom the storage means, and which produces an output by mixing thesynthesized musical sound with a voice input through a mike; switchingmeans for switching between the execution of the object file and theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means;cash inserting device that outputs information about the amount of moneyinserted by a user; determination means for determining whether or notthe object file is executed or whether or not the karaoke playing meansperforms karaoke music by comparing the amount of money inserted by theuser with a charge for the execution of the object file or theperformance of karaoke music, if the execution of the object file or theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke is a payservice; accounting means that permits the execution of the object fileor the performance of karaoke music if the determination means hasdetermined that the execution of the object file or the performance ofkaraoke music is allowable, and that displays a message so as toencourage the user to insert money as well as rendering the terminationof the execution of the object file or performance of karaoke musicselectable if the determination means has determined that the executionof the object file or the performance of karaoke music is not allowable;and the determination means that again determines whether or not theobject file is executed or whether or not the karaoke playing meansperforms karaoke music, in consideration of newly received moneyinformation if the money information is output from the cash insertingdevice after the accounting means has encouraged the user to insertmoney.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided byfurther comprising operation means for providing instructions regardingvarious processing operations in accordance with the user's operations;and operation invalidating means that invalidates specific operations,which are performed by operation means, under predetermined conditionsafter the accounting means has permitted the execution of the objectfile or the performance of karaoke music.

To solve the above-described problem, a computer system, according tothe present invention includes storage means for storing a plurality ofobject files including programs, as well as selecting an object filefrom the storage means and executing a program stored in the selectedobject file. The computer system is provided by the fact that datareferred to by the program of the object file are individually stored inthe storage means as a resource file, and that an arbitrary resource canbe specified by the program of each object file.

According to the present invention, the computer system is provided byfurther comprising information file receiving means that receives fromthe outside an information file consisting of the object file and theresource file, and that individually stores into the storage means theobject file and the resource file contained in the received informationfile.

A karaoke system that employs the computer system, comprises karaokeplaying means which stores karaoke music information in the storagemeans, which synthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke musicinformation from the storage means, and which produces an output bymixing the synthesized musical sound with a voice input through a mike;and switching means for switching between the execution of the objectfile and the performance of karaoke music carried out by the karaokeplaying means.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that the performance of karaoke music carried out by thekaraoke playing means is described in the program of the object file asa selectable instruction.

To solve the above-described drawbacks, a karaoke system, according tothe present invention, includes a computer system that selects an objectfile from storage means for holding a plurality of object filesincluding programs and executes a program stored in the selected objectfile. The karaoke system is provided by comprising karaoke playing meanswhich stores karaoke music information in the storage means, whichsynthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke music informationfrom the storage means, and which produces an output by mixing thesynthesized musical sound with a voice input through a mike; switchingmeans for switching between the execution of the object file and theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means;an object file for use in displaying a menu that is stored in thestorage means, and that includes a program for displaying a title listmatching up with predetermined object files and a program forencouraging the execution of an object file when it is selected from thetitle list; and object file execution instructing means that provides aninstruction for execution of the menu display object file when apredetermined operation is carried out by a user.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that the karaoke playing means produces a request queue whichrepresents each requested sound each time karaoke music is requested,and synthesizes a musical sound by sequentially reading the karaokemusic information in accordance with the order of the request queues,and wherein the object file execution instructing means produces aninstruction for executing the menu display object file after theperformance of the karaoke music corresponding to the last request queuehas finished if the request queue is prepared when the predeterminedoperations are performed.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that the karaoke playing means produces a request queue whichrepresents each requested sound each time karaoke music is requested,and synthesizes a musical sound by sequentially reading the karaokemusic information in accordance with the order of the request queues,and wherein the object file execution instructing means produces aninstruction for executing the menu display object file immediately afterthe karaoke music currently being played has finished if the requestqueue is prepared when the predetermined operations are performed.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that the performance of karaoke music carried out by thekaraoke playing means is described in the program of the object file asa selectable instruction.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that if the performance of music carried out by the karaokeplaying means is specified by the program of the object file, theperformance of the music requested during the course of execution of anobject file is prioritized in an interrupted manner, irrespective of arequest queue which has already been generated when the performance isspecified.

According to the present invention, the karaoke system is provided bythe fact that if the performance of music carried out by the karaokeplaying means is specified by the program of the object file, a secondrequest queue is added so as to follow the request queue that hasalready been generated at the time of the initiation of the object fileafter the second request queue has been generated with respect to themusic requested during the execution of the object file as well as theexecution of the object file having finished.

As described above, by virtue of the computer system and the karaokesystem of the present invention, menus can be automatically generatedaccording to genre on the basis of variations in information services tobe offered. Further, by virtue of the karaoke system of the presentinvention, a karaoke performance can be carried out while theinformation service is offered to the user.

As previously described, by virtue of the present invention, a menu canbe automatically generated according to the individual status of theuser.

As described above, by virtue of the present invention, it is possibleto grasp the use of information services, whereby customers needs andmarket trends can be obtained. Particularly, by virtue of the computersystem and the karaoke system of the present invention, the sequence ofmenus of information services changes depending on the use ofinformation services, which makes it possible to maintain the ease ofuse.

As described above, by virtue of the present invention, accountingoperations can be carried out appropriately even when pay informationservices are offered. Specifically, a karaoke system is capable ofautomatically carrying out a settling operation with respect to variousaccounting operations.

As described above, where a variety of information services such ascommercial messages are offered, data to be used (e.g., image, musicalsound, or sound source data) can be shared among files which provideservice. Further, the utilization of data can also be managed easily.

As described above, by virtue of the present invention, it is possibleto quickly access a desired service with simple operations. Further, byvirtue of the present invention, it is possible to easily accept akaraoke request while an information service is offered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which shows the overall configuration of acommunication karaoke system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which shows the configuration of a karaoketerminal 2 of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a remote control unit RMC which shows thefront panel of the remote control unit of the embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one example of an information service screenwhich is displayed in the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the details of an object usedin the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of a music objectof the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of “picture (#1)obj” of the embodiment:

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of “text (#n) obj”of the embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrammatic illustrations of an example of aninformation service screen displayed in the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a hard disk 24 which showsthe state of storage of scripts (objects) and resources in the harddisk;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of the data structure of a menuobject of the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of one example of ahierarchical menu of the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a queue registration area QAof the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of an interruption area IA andan interruption ring buffer IRB;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of one example of a servicescreen for advertising an automobile;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of one example of a servicescreen for introducing newly released music;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation of the delivery ofadvertisement information files produced by an advertising agent to thekaraoke terminal;

FIG. 18 shows one example of a top menu;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a virtual space TTA set inRAM 25;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of one example of a displayscreen that appears at the end of the scrolling of the menu;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view for illustrating the general control ofdisplay of motion pictures;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view for illustrating the control of thedisplay of motion pictures in the embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a tree diagram of one example of a hierarchical menu of theembodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart which shows an accounting check operation;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of an exemplary display obtained in step SP4shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of the tree structure of menusand information services;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram which shows one example of the configurationof the communication karaoke system when the number of accesses islogged with respect to each information service; and

FIGS. 28A and 28B are diagrammatic representations of examples ofdisplay of an LED display 55.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention will be described hereinbelow.

A: Configuration of Communication Karaoke System According to anEmbodiment of the Invention

(1) Overall Configuration

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which shows the configuration of acommunication karaoke system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates a host computer,and 2, 2, . . . designate a plurality of karaoke terminals connected tothe host computer 1 through a communications line N. The host computer 1periodically delivers karaoke data and information files (their detailswill be described later) to each of the karaoke terminals 2, 2, . . .The karaoke data contain performance data (MIDI data), lyric data (whichinclude data for use in synchronizing music with its lyrics), and imagecontrol data (data for use in selecting images available on the karaoketerminal 2). The karaoke terminal 2 displays lyrics based on the lyricdata and image displays corresponding to image control data as well asperforming an accompaniment based on the performance data.

The karaoke terminal 2 is designed so as to offer an operator a varietyof information services in an interactive manner.

(2) Configuration of Karaoke Terminal

With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the karaoke terminal 2will be described.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 designates a communications interface,such as a modem or an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network),connected to the host computer 1 through the communications line N, and22 designates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which executes a systemprogram stored in ROM 23 and controls devices connected to the CPUthrough a bus BUS. The CPU 22 carries out a variety of serviceoperations by executing the information file as well as the performanceof music and display of lyrics based on the karaoke data.

Reference numeral 24 designates a hard disk which holds the karaoke dataand information file groups fed from the host computer 1. Referencenumeral 25 designates RAM which is used as a work area of the CPU 22.

Reference numeral 26 designates a control panel which detects the actionof an operator pressing a key switch (e.g., a start key, a cancel key,an up/down key, or ten-keys). This control panel 26 enables selection ofan information selection menu displayed on the display unit 36 as wellas music selection (i.e., the entry of a music number), the initiationand termination of music performance, instruction operations for karaokeperformance purposes such as volume control.

The control panel 26 has a receiving section for receiving a signal sentfrom a remote control unit RMC shown in FIG. 3. The remote control unitRMC is provided with a start key STK, a cancel key CLK, an up key UPK, adown key DWK, ten-keys TK, a transfer key TXK, a memory set key MSK, anda music termination key SPK, as shown in FIG. 3. In this way, the remotecontrol unit RMC has keys which are the same as those of the keyswitches provided in the control panel 26, which allows the remotecontrol unit RMC to carry out the same operations as the control panel26.

The remote control unit RMC incorporates memory (not shown). Informationabout the ten-keys TK is transferred to the control panel 26 once it hasbeen stored in the memory. In this event, the ten-keys TK are used forspecifying the number of karaoke music. For example, if a music numberis 12345, the ten-keys TK are pressed in that order; namely, 1, 2, 3, 4,and 5. Subsequently, the memory set key MSK is pressed. As a result,numerical values corresponding to 12345 are temporarily stored in thememory. A transmission signal corresponding to the numerical valuesstored in the memory is transferred to the control panel 26 by pressingthe transfer key TXK.

For the other keys provided on the remote control unit RMC, atransmission signal corresponding to a pressed key is immediatelyoutput. Functions of these keys will be described later.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 27 designates a musical sound synthesizerwhich generates a musical sound signal corresponding to the MIDIinformation (the MIDI information contained in the karaoke data or theinformation file) serially fed from the CPU 22. The thus generatedmusical sound signal is output to a mixer 28. The mixer 28 mixes themusical sound signal fed from the musical sound synthesizer 27 with avoice signal input from a mike 29. The thus-mixed signal is output to asound system 30. In the event of the performance of background music,the mixer 28 allows the musical sound signal fed from the musical soundsynthesizer 27 to be directly output to the sound system 30.

Reference numeral 31 designates a voice decoder which converts ADPCMinformation (for use in voice information services) serially read fromthe information file by the CPU 22 into an analogue audio signal. Thethus-converted signal is output to the sound system 30. The sound system30 amplifies the musical sound signal received from the mixer 28 or theaudio signal received from the voice decoder and outputs the music soundor the voice from the speaker SP.

Reference numeral 32 designates an image reproducing unit which readsimage information corresponding to image control data within the karaokedata specified as one to be reproduced from CD-ROM 33 in a CD changer 60and transfers the thus-read image information to the image synthesizer34. The image synthesizer 34 merges the image information fed from theimage reproducing unit 32 and font information corresponding to lyricinformation in the karaoke data read by the CPU 22 (the font informationis stored in the image synthesizer 34) into one data item. Thethus-merged data are displayed on the display 35. As a result, lyricsare superimposed on the background. The image synthesizer 34 expands animage to be displayed in the form of a bit map in VRAM (video RAM) andoutputs the thus-expanded image to the display 35.

Reference numeral 36 designates an image decoder. The image decoder 36decompresses compressed image information of a stationary image, such amenu or icons, or motion pictures (i.e., image information in compliancewith MPEG, JPEG or the like) read from the information file. Thethus-decompressed image information is then converted into an analogimage signal. This analog image signal is then displayed on the display35.

Reference numeral 50 is a cash inserting device which allows a user toinsert coins and bills. The cash inserting device 50 determines whetherinserted coins or bills are genuine or fake, as well as detecting theamount of money. The cash inserting device 50 feeds a signalrepresenting the detected amount to the CPU 22. Further, the cashinserting device 50 discharges change under control of the CPU 22.

Reference numeral 55 designates an LED display unit attached to thefront of the main body of the karaoke terminal. The LED display unit 55comprises 7-segment LEDs having a number of figures. The illumination ofthe LED display unit 55 is controlled by the CPU 22. Reference numeral60 designates a CD changer which selects CD (compact disk) or the CD-ROM33 under control of CPU 22 and reads music information from thespecified track or image information in the manner as previouslydescribed. The thus-read image information is sent to the imagereproducing unit 32. Reference numeral 70 is a card terminal which dealswith an ID card or a credit card. The card terminal 70 reads informationfrom the card or determines whether the card is valid or invalid.

(3) Contents of Information File

In the present embodiment, it is possible to offer a variety ofinformation services on the basis of the information file in addition toan ordinary karaoke performance. The information file comprises aprogram portion which is called a script and a reference data portionwhich is called a resource (i.e., a portion which comprises performancedata, image data, or the like). A variety of information services areoffered by the CPU 22 executing the script.

In this event, the script is described in a predetermined languagesystem and consists of a group of units of processing called objects.Each object is arranged such that resources are referred to, asrequired. This point will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 4 is one example of an information service menu screen displayed onthe karaoke terminal of the present embodiment. With reference to FIG.5, an object corresponding to the control of that screen display will bedescribed.

The object shown in FIG. 5 is called a page object which is one exampleof an object for controlling one screen display. Each object (that is, apart of the script) is described in a predetermined language, aspreviously described. For convenience of explanation, the function of aprogram will be described using Japanese representations correspondingto the descriptions written in a predetermined language.

To begin with, a box entitled “New” is initially referred to when theobject is started. Details of the first control of the object aredescribed in this box. In the case of the illustrative example shown inthe drawing, various instructions related to a drawing are described.

“Picture (#1) obj” written in the first line of this box is intended tospecify an object that includes descriptions related to the control ofdisplay of the picture. Various objects that control the display ofpictures are described so as to correspond to pictures to be displayed.The objects are provided with arguments (#1), (#2), . . . so that adesired object can be called by specifying the argument.

FIG. 7 shows an example of descriptions related to “Picture (#1) obj”.The descriptions include a line for specifying a file to be used and aline for specifying the position at which the picture is to be drawn. A“#1 image resource” specified as a file is an image data file in whichpredetermined image data are recorded. As previously described, theimage resource is arranged so as to be called and referred to by thescript. In this event, as in the object, the image resources are alsoprovided with arguments such as (#1), (#2), . . . so that a desiredresource can be called by use of the argument.

The “#1 image resource” in this embodiment is image data of a picture ofan automobile carrying an animal. Those image data are displayed at thecoordinates specified in the second line in FIG. 7. As a result of theexecution of the control according to these descriptions (i.e., as aresult of the control being executed by the CPU 22), a character appearsin the area “a” shown in FIG. 4A.

“Text (#1) obj” and “Text (#3) obj” written in second and third lines ofthe box entitled “New” shown in FIG. 5 indicate objects which describethe control of display of characters. Various objects that control thedisplay of characters are described so as to correspond to characters tobe displayed. As in the case of the picture objects, these objects areprovided with arguments (#1), (#2), . . . so that a desired object canbe called by specifying the argument.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the descriptions of “Text (#n) obj”. As areillustrated in the drawing, the descriptions include a string line forspecifying characters to be displayed and a line for specifying theposition at which the characters are to be displayed. The text objectdoes not include the specification of a file, and characters to bedisplayed are directly specified by the string line. These text objectsare provided with arguments (#1), (#2), . . . so that a desired objectcan be called. “Welcome to Info-World!” is written in the area “b” inthe box shown in FIG. 4A. The area “c” has a description reading“Concert Information”. Consequently, the string lines of the text objectthat correspond to these indications are described as string=“Welcome toInfo-World” and string=“Concert Information”. The text object furtherincludes a string for specifying a font of characters to be displayed(not shown). As a result, the characters can be displayed in variousfonts.

For the other menu title displays shown in FIG. 4A; namely, “MovieInformation”, “Stage Information” . . . text objects (not shown) whichare the same as the above-described text object are described in the“New” box shown in FIG. 5.

As in the above-described case, the picture and text objects aredescribed with regard to the pictures and characters shown in the icondisplay sections designated by “d” and “e” shown in FIG. 4A.

The block entitled “Delay” shown in FIG. 5 defines an operation (action)to be executed after the lapse of a predetermined period of time sincethe page object shown in FIG. 5 was started. In the illustrated example,background music is specified to be played after a lapse of fiveseconds. In short, (5S) written in this box defines the lapse of fiveseconds, and “BGM=music name (#1) obj” defines the performance ofbackground music by execution of a music object (designated by argument#1).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the descriptions related to the music object.In this drawing, “Play=CD” written in the first line is an instructionfor instructing the karaoke terminal to play music by actuating a CD(not shown) in the CD changer 60 shown in FIG. 2. The descriptions alsocomprise descriptions for specifying details with respect to the CDchanger such as a disk number and a music track to be selected. Tosimplify explanations, they are omitted from the drawing. The karaokedata “Play=#1” written in the second line shown in FIG. 6 represent aninstruction for causing the karaoke terminal to read a piece of musichaving a number one from among several pieces of music. In this event,the karaoke data constitute part of the resource.

Instructions for defining various performances are described in thepreviously mentioned manner. In some cases, the descriptions comprise aninstruction “end” for specifying the action to be executed when thekaraoke performance has finished. The instruction comprises, forexample, the shift of processing to another object, repetition of theoperation by calling the same object again, or repetitive play of thecurrent music.

Menu options related to various buttons provided in the display screenare described in a box entitled “Selector” shown in FIG. 5. First, thebuttons displayed in the screen are registered in this box. In theexample shown in FIG. 5, elements for specifying each of the buttons,such as button ID #1, ID #2, . . . are described. Black circular dotsare provided on the left side of each of eleven titles from “ConcertInformation” to “Performance of Karaoke” in FIGS. 4A and 4B. These blackdots are defined as buttons in order from the top.

In the box “Selector” shown in FIG. 5, actions are defined with respectto three conditions of each button; namely, a “marked” condition, an“unmarked” condition, and a “selected” condition. The “marked” conditionis one in which a pointer appears adjacent to the button. The “unmarked”condition is one in which the pointer does not appear adjacent to thebutton. The “selected” condition is one in which the button is selected(i.e., a condition in which the service corresponding to the button isexecuted). The movement of the pointer and the selection of each buttonare carried out by pressing buttons provided on the control panel 26 orthe remote control unit RMC. Operation guides of each button aredisplayed in the icons IC1 and IC2 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

For example, the up key UPK or the down key DWK (see FIG. 3) are pressedto move a pointer PP up or down in accordance with the display of theicon IC1. To determine the button, the start key STK (see FIG. 3) ispressed in accordance with the display of the icon IC2. Similarly, inorder to terminate the menu shown in FIG. 4, the cancel key (CLK) ispressed.

The descriptions written in the area described as “marked condition”shown in FIG. 5 comprise an instruction for displaying the pointer PP(see FIG. 4) at the position where the button is situated. Thisinstruction is intended to inform the operator that the button hasalready been selected by indicating the pointer PP. Background musicassociated with the title of the button is played, as necessary. In thiscase, the music object (music (#n) obj) is described in the box, asshown in FIG. 5.

An instruction for erasing the display of the pointer PP, or the like,is written in the area described as an “unmarked condition”. The pointerPP is displayed adjacent to only the selected button.

The details of operations that are executed when the current button isdetermined by selection are described in the area described as “selectedcondition”. The details are usually described in the form of the call ofa predetermined object.

For instance, when the “Concert Information” button is selected, anobject which controls the menu display of such concert information asshown in FIG. 9A is executed. Further, if a button “Chikako Sawada” isselected from the screen buttons, as shown in FIG. 9A, an object whichcontrols an information screen related to the concert of that singer isexecuted. As a result, such a display as shown in FIG. 9B appears on thescreen.

If the pointer PP is further moved down from the button “KaraokePerformance” on the screen shown in FIG. 4A, the remaining menus willappear on the screen (see FIG. 4B). In other words, if the pointer PPmoves further down from the “Karaoke Performance”, an object fordisplaying the screen shown in FIG. 4B is executed.

The examples of the page objects have been described as examples ofdescriptions of the objects. Some objects do not include thedescriptions related to “Delay” box. As is evident from the abovedescriptions, an object for realizing a predetermined object (e.g.,screen control) is implemented by a collection of small objects.

Although the script consists of a group of objects, the scripts and theresources are stored in the hard disk 24 so as to be separated from eachother. In short, the scripts that form the program and the resourcesthat form reference data are stored in the hard disk while beingseparated from each other. Consequently, it becomes possible to specifyan arbitrary resource in each object. FIG. 10 diagrammatically shows thestorage of scripts (objects) and resources in the hard disk 24. As shownin this drawing, several objects can share an identical resource withone another. As a result, it is possible to make the transmission ofdata from the host computer 1 more efficient as well as saving thestorage area of the hard disk 24.

B: Operation of the Communication Karaoke System of the Embodiment

(1) Initiation of Information Services

Next, operation of the communication karaoke system having theabove-described construction will be described. The followingdescriptions are based on the assumption that a group of informationfiles and karaoke data have already been transmitted from the hostcomputer 1 to the karaoke terminals 2 to a certain degree.

To being with, the power of the karaoke terminal 2 is turned on, and asystem program is loaded into the ROM 23 from the CPU 22. Thethus-loaded system program is executed, whereby the CPU 22 enters akaraoke performance standby condition (i.e., a karaoke mode) and waitsfor the entry of a music number.

When a music number is input by operating the remote control unit RMC orthe control panel 26, the karaoke data related to that music are readfrom the hard disk 24. The performance of that music and the display ofits background and lyrics are carried out. The user can enjoy singing asong using the mike 29 in tune with the performance and display.

On the other hand, if a predetermined music number, e.g., 8000, isentered, the CPU 22 detects this entry and enters an information servicemode. In other words, if the music number 8000 is entered, an objectassociated with a prestored menu display (e.g., a menu display shown inFIG. 4A) is executed.

A music number is written in a header of the object of the menu of thepresent embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11. The description of the headercomprises a title in the form of a string and two music number displays.The menu has a multilayer structure, as shown in FIG. 12. A music numberis written in the header of each object in each layer of the menu. Thehierarchy of the menu has the following structure. Provided that themenu shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is the top menu, the menu shown in FIG. 9Awhich appears as a result of the selection of the “Concert Information”from the titles of the top menu is a first menu of a lower layer. Inthis case, the header of the object for displaying the menu shown inFIG. 9A as well as the header of the object for displaying the top menushown in FIGS. 4A and 4B also comprise the description of music numbers.

The header of the object of a service also comprises the description ofa music number (not shown). For example, the screen display shown inFIG. 9B has information services of a concert, and an object forcontrolling this display also has a description of a music number.

In some cases, the karaoke music corresponding to an input music number,e.g., 8000, is in the course of performance or has already beenreserved. The order of performance of music in such a case is controlledin the following manner.

If there is a request for a piece of karaoke music, the number of therequested music is registered in a predetermined location within the RAM25 shown in FIG. 2 as a “queue”. Where a plurality of pieces of musicare reserved, queues are registered in the RAM 25, e.g., in such amanner as shown in FIG. 13. In a queue registration area QA shown inFIG. 13, the music number indicated by the arrow-shaped pointer is thereserved music to be played next. After the music being currently playedhas finished, a music number is read from the address indicated by thepointer. Then, the performance of the music is started. The pointer thenmoves to the next address. Four pieces of music are already reserved inthe list shown in FIG. 13. If the fifth music is reserved, the number ofthat music is written into the address next to the fourth music. Thequeue registration area QA shown in FIG. 13 has a ring buffer structure.A queue will be registered in the top address if the preceding queue hasbeen registered in the end address.

However, a new music number is prohibited from being written into theaddress whose music has not finished undergoing rendering. If the queueregistration area QA is already full, new reservations will not beaccepted.

If a music number of the information service menu is reserved in such astate as shown in FIG. 13, the music number of the information servicemenu (e.g., 8000) is registered in the queue registration area QA as thefifth reserved music. Consequently, the music number of the informationservice menu is read after the fourth reserved music has finishedundergoing rendering. The top menu is then displayed. If the ordinaryreservation of karaoke music is carried out after a music number of theinformation service menu has been reserved, a queue of that music isregistered in the address next to the address of the music number of theservice menu as in the case of the ordinary reservation processing.

The communication karaoke system of the present embodiment has anotherqueue management mode. In this queue management mode, the queue of theinformation service menu is not accepted after music has been reserved,but the information service menu is started by interruption immediatelyafter the music currently being rendered has finished. For example, inthis case, an area for interruption purposes IA is ensured in the RAM25, as shown in FIG. 14. If a music number of the information servicemenu is entered, the music number is detected, and the thus-detectedmusic number is registered in the area IA. If certain karaoke music iscurrently rendered, the information service menu of the music numberwritten in the area IA is displayed in an interrupting manner after thekaraoke music has finished. After the completion of the informationservice, the next queue (e.g., the performance of karaoke music) thathas been in a standby mode during the interrupt is processed. The musicnumber of the information service written into the area IA is insertedinto the queue registration area QA of the RAM 25 shown in FIG. 13 in aninterrupting manner. The order of queues shown in FIG. 13 may berewritten.

In contrast, an interruption ring buffer IRB may be set in the RAM 25for accepting interrupts related to the information service menu, asshown in FIG. 14, so as to sequentially accept a plurality ofinterrupts. Even in this case, the sequence of queues shown in FIG. 13may be changed by processing the next queue in the queue registrationarea QA after all the queues registered in the interruption ring bufferIRB have been completed or inserting the queues of the interruption ringbuffer IRB into the queue registration area QA in an interruptingmanner.

The objects of menus or information services in each layer are assignedmusic numbers. Hence, it is possible to directly call a menu in anarbitrary layer without calling the top menu or directly start a desiredservice. In this case, the processing of a queue may be executed in twoways; namely, a queue is accepted as the last queue of the sequence ofreserved queues, and a queue is inserted into the sequence of reservedqueues in an interrupting manner. Either of the two methods may bearbitrarily selected. The method is selected as a result of selection ofonly a processing mode of the CPU 22 by pressing a predetermined buttonof the control panel 26.

(2) Automatic Generation of Menu

The menu option (title) of each of the previously described menus andthe expansion of lower-order menus are fixed. In this embodiment, theCPU 22 is provided with a mode for automatically generating a menu inaccordance with a predetermined algorithm. The generation of theautomatic menu will be described.

To begin with, the delivery of each information service will bedescribed. The information services of the present embodiment comprise avariety of advertisements, games, and information. They are classifiedaccording to genre. Each genre of “advertisements” or “games” haslower-order genres, such as, adult, child, lady's, and men's use. FIG.15 shows one example of an information service screen for advertisingautomobiles, and FIG. 16 shows another example of the informationservice screen for introducing new music.

The above-described service information related to advertisements,games, or the like, is produced by an advertising agent. Thethus-produced service information is represented by a combination ofscripts and resources. The service information is in the state in whichit can be decoded and executed by the CPU 22. FIG. 17 is a diagrammaticrepresentation showing the delivery of advertisement information filesproduced by advertising agents. In the drawing, CM1, CM2, and CM3 areadvertisement information files produced by the advertising agent. Theyconsist of the previously described scripts and resources. A header ofthe advertisement information file has descriptions of a music numberand a title. In this case, the title is described in the previouslydescribed string line.

The information file shown in FIG. 17 is transmitted to the hostcomputer installed in the center CNT. The host computer 1 grasps all theinformation files. In this event, the genre information may be includedin the information files. Further, a correspondence table between musicnumbers and genres may be fed to the host computer 1. Moreover, the hostcomputer 1 can set genres for each information file.

The information file can be delivered to the karaoke terminal 2 by twomethods. According to the first method, the karaoke terminal 2 sends, asflag information, karaoke bar information [the type of bar (e.g., acompartment-style karaoke bar, a public bar . . . )] and associatedinformation which represents the location (the places of the karaokebars) and desired genres to the host computer 1, as required. The hostcomputer 1 recognizes the genres of advertisement that are suitable forthat karaoke terminal 2. Only the information files associated withthese genres of advertisement are delivered to the karaoke terminal 2.Consequently, the karaoke terminal 2 can receive only the informationfiles tallying with the conditions of each karaoke bar and the tendencyof customers of that karaoke bar, which enables effective advertising.

According to the second method, the host computer 1 delivers all theinformation files to the karaoke terminal 2. Information comprising time(such as the morning, the afternoon, or midnight) and periods (such asseasons, the summer vacation, or the new year vacation) is entered fromthe karaoke terminal 2. Among the information files, only theinformation files corresponding to the above-described information areselectively used. In this event, a table defining which of the genres issuitable for the time and periods has previously been stored. Where anID card 80 shown in FIG. 17 is used, only the information filescorresponding to the personal information recorded in that ID card aremade available. In this case, the information such as gender, birthdate, and favorite genres of music is written into the ID card 80. Thecard terminal unit 70 shown in FIG. 2 reads that information andtransfers the thus-read information to the CPU 22. The CPU 22 identifiesthe age and gender of the user and, then, selects appropriate genresbased on the identification result. The CPU 22 makes only theinformation files corresponding to these genres available.

Although the advertisement information files are used as examples in theabove descriptions, games and other information files are delivered andselected in the same manner.

As a result of the delivery and selection of the information files, theinformation files delivered to the karaoke terminal 2 and theinformation files that are available at the karaoke terminal 2 changevariously. Accordingly, the menu to be shown should be changed so as toreflect that change. Particularly, in the case of the use of the ID card80, the available information files differ depending on the user, andhence it becomes even more necessary to change the menu so as to matchup with the information files.

For this reason, the menu is automatically generated in this embodiment.The automatic generation of a menu will be explained hereinbelow, takingthe automatic generation of a menu using the ID card 80 as an example.

First, a karaoke user inserts the ID card 80 into the card terminal 70shown in FIG. 2. The card terminal 70 reads ID information from the IDcard 80 and feeds the thus-read ID information to the CPU 22. The CPU 22selects corresponding genres as a result of identification of the ageand gender of the user from the received ID information. If the user isa minor, the genres suitable for the minor will be selected. In otherwords, for example, the genres other than the genres for adult use areselected.

If the user enters a music number which corresponds to the informationservice menu using the remote control unit RMC, an object correspondingto that music number is read from the hard disk 24, and the thus-readobject is executed. Consequently, a predetermined top menu is displayed.FIG. 18 shows one example of the top menu. In this example, “game”,“travel”, and “amusement place information” are displayed as menuoptions.

If a button of any one of the menu options is selected, the CPU 22retrieves an information file corresponding to a selected genre from thehard disk 24. A title written in the header of the information file inthe form of a string is displayed as a menu option.

Given that a button of the menu option “Game” is selected, a game menuGM1 shown in FIG. 18 appears on the screen. In this event, a sript fordisplaying the strings of the headers of the information filesclassified in the genre of game is written in the object of the gamemenu.

If the next page is selected by pressing the down key DWK (see FIG. 3),a game menu GM2 is displayed. If the next page is further selected, agame menu GM3 appears on the screen. In short, the game menus GM1 to GM3are displayed as game menus, and a total of 23 titles are displayed onthe screen. The title of each game is described in the string of theheader of the information file of that game. As described above, manytitles are displayed with regard to the game. In the object for definingeach menu screen, the title of each menu is not fixed. The script isdescribed in the object so as to display the title of the string of theselected information file. The CPU 22 controls a displaying operationaccording to the script, whereby a menu shown in FIG. 18 isautomatically generated.

If the user selects a button for “Travel” from among the top menus,information files in the genre of travel are selected from theinformation files stored in the hard disk 24. In consideration of theuser identification, only the information files for the youth other thanthe information files falling within the genre for adults are selected.The strings stored in the headers of the information files are displayedon the screen. In the illustrated example, twelve titles are selected,and they are divided into menu screens TM1 and TM2.

If the user selects a button for “Amusement Place Information”, noinformation files will be selected, because the information filesrelated to the amusement place information are classified as ones foradults. In such a situation, a sign, e.g., “NO”, appears on the screenin order to inform the user that the current service may not beselected, as shown in FIG. 18. Such an operation is implemented bydescribing a script in the object to be started as a result of theselection of the “Amusement Place Information” button in such a way thata predetermined message is displayed when the user is identified as ayouth by the ID information.

Although the genre is selected so as to avoid the genre for adults inthe above-described embodiment, only the genre for adults or the genrefor child and lady's use is also selectable.

If the ID card is not used, the menu will be prepared by use of all theinformation files delivered to the karaoke terminal 2. Even in thiscase, the information files delivered to the karaoke terminal aredifferent, as required. Therefore, the menu is automatically generatedin the same manner as in the previously described embodiment.

The information files may be classified into the genres according tomusic numbers without individually providing the information files withgenre data. For example, the genres may be determined such that gamesare provided with numbers on the order of one thousand, and thatinformation is provided with numbers of two thousands.

Buttons (i.e., the strings of each genre) of the top menu may be changeddepending on the ID information. In short, the menu may be controlled insuch a way that menu options having high frequency of selection arearranged in higher ranking. In this case, it is only necessary to writesuch a description as to change the layout of object buttons in the topmenu depending on the ID information.

In the event that the genre of a certain menu option has not beengenerated yet, that menu option may be omitted from the top menu. Forexample, if information files that fall within the genre of travel havenot been delivered to the karaoke terminal yet, it is possible to omit amenu option for travel from the top menu.

Among the information files, only the information files related tolocations (such as a state, county, city, etc.) are previously extractedor delivered to the karaoke terminal. A menu may be automaticallygenerated for the thus-selected information files in the manner aspreviously described, which makes it possible to offer the userattentive information services corresponding to districts.

(3) Examples of Information Services

Examples of information services will be described.

[1] Advertisement of Hit Songs and Karaoke-Performance

In this service, the ranking of the 20 latest hit songs is displayed ina scrolled manner. In the case where the user wants to sing one of them,the request for that song will be accepted.

A virtual space TTA shown in FIG. 19 is a memory space set in the RAM25. Music numbers (not shown) and titles of top 20 songs are expanded inthis space in decreasing order from the 20th to the 1st. The musicnumbers and titles are expanded in the memory space in the form of a bitmap. The CPU 22 processes an object that represents a list of top 20songs and is described by the scripts, whereby a list of the musicnumbers and titles is generated.

A broken line shown in FIG. 19 designates an area to be displayed (DPA).The area DPA shifts in the direction designated by arrow A shown in thedrawing. The dot data related to the area DPA are transferred to VRAM inthe image synthesizer 34, whereby the dot data are displayed on adisplay 35. In short, the list of top 20 songs is displayed on thedisplay 35 in a scrolled manner.

A scrolling speed, the starting position of the scrolling operation,time, and the end position of the scrolling operation are written in theobject used for displaying the top 20 songs. An operation carried out atthe end of the scrolling operation is also written in the object. TheCPU 22 determines the initial position and traveling speed of the areaDPA (see the area surrounded by the broken line) shown in FIG. 19. Byvirtue of the above-described operations, it becomes possible for theuser to know the titles of the top 20 songs from the scroll list.

The initiation of a karaoke performance during the course of theabove-described information service (on the scroll display of the top 20songs) will now be described.

The user memorizes the number of a song indicated in the scrolling listand enters that music number using the remote control unit RMC, wherebythe song is selected.

Alternatively, the button of a song indicated in the scrolling list maybe pressed to select the song. The button is selected in the same manneras is the case of the screen shown in FIG. 4.

It is possible to manually move the pointer up or down every line insuch a scrolled manner at the end of the scrolling operation by pressingthe up key UPK or down key DWK, as shown in FIG. 20. In this case, it isonly necessary to select a button of desired music while that music isdisplayed by manual scrolling operations.

If the songs are selected as a result of the above-described operations,queues of the songs are sequentially registered in a predeterminedlocation QAT 20 within the RAM 25 (see FIG. 20). Songs are reserved inthe area QAT 20 shown in FIG. 20 in order of 19th, 5th, and 2nd music.If the next music is reserved, a queue of that music will be registeredin the address next to the 2nd music. The area QAT 20 has a ring bufferstructure. A queue is registered in the top address if the precedingqueue has been registered in the end address. The pointer P shown in thedrawing points at the music to be played next.

The performance of the music is started by pressing a predetermined key.If all of the songs of the reserved queues are finished, the list of top20 songs will appear again. Further, even in the case where the cancelkey CLK is pressed after the initiation of the performance of the music,the list of top 20 songs will appear again.

The above-described management of queues is carried out as a part of theprocessing associated with the service for displaying the list of top 20songs. In contrast, the queues registered in the area QAT 20 may betransferred to a queue registration area QA used in a normal karaokemode after the information service has finished. In this case, thecancel key CLK is first pressed in accordance with guidance informationof the screen display shown in FIG. 20. In consequence, after theinformation service has finished, the karaoke terminal shifts to akaraoke mode. At this time, the queues registered in the area QAT 20 aretransferred to the queue registration area QA.

If the queues of the reserved songs have already been registered in thequeue registration area QA before the initiation of the list displayservice, the queues transferred from the area QAT 20 are registered inthe address next to the addresses of these reserved songs. FIG. 20 showsthe case where the queues of the 19th, 5th, and 2nd songs aretransferred from the area QAT 20 when four songs have already beenregistered as reserved songs.

[2] Display of Motion Pictures

Depending on the type of information service, display of motion picturesmay be effective for the user. For this reason, a variety of motionpictures are displayed in the present embodiment. Taking the display ofa rotating ball as an example of the motion pictures, general control ofa motion picture display will be described. In this event, a pluralityof image data items showing the modes of the rotating ball are prepared,and these image data items are serially transmitted to the VRAM, so thatmotion pictures are displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, imagedata (four image data items in the present embodiment) that show themodes of the rotating ball are transmitted from the hard disk 24 topredetermined locations of the RAM 25. The image data items aresequentially transmitted to the VRAM in a switchable manner.Consequently, the ball is displayed on the screen as if it is rotating(in a counterclockwise direction in the drawing). In this case, eachimage data item may be directly written into the VRAM from the hard disk24. It takes much more time to transmit data from the hard disk thanfrom semiconductor memory, so that it takes time to rewrite the VRAM.Hence, the state in which the motion pictures are rewritten is visibleto the user, which renders the display of motion pictures inept.

If motion pictures are displayed after all the image data forming themotion pictures have been transferred to the RAM 25, as shown in FIG.21, the motion pictures will be displayed smoothly. However, the largememory locations of the RAM 25 would be occupied by the image data,which makes the use of memory inefficient. To prevent this problem, thefollowing processing is carried out in the present embodiment.

First, first image data item is transferred to a predetermined memorylocation of the RAM 25. Next, that first image data item is furthertransferred to the VRAM. While the first image data item is on display,a second image data item is overwritten on the same memory location ofthe RAM 25. The second image data item is transferred to the VRAM atpredetermined timing (e.g., at timing equivalent to a vertical blankingperiod). Similar processing is carried out for third and fourth imagedata items. After the fourth image data item has been transferred to theVRAM, the first image data item is again transferred to the RAM 25. Therotating ball is displayed as a result of the repetition of theabove-described operations. Only the memory location of the RAM 25 thatcorresponds to one image data items is used. Further, the image dataitem is written from the VRAM to the RAM 25 at high speed. Inconsequence, the efficiency of the use of the memory is improved, andthe motion pictures are displayed smoothly.

As described above, the efficiency of the use of the memory of thepresent embodiment is high. For this reason, unassigned memory locationscan be used for another application. So long as MIDI data or waveformdata, for example, have previously been transferred from the hard disk24 to the VRAM, music can be automatically played or generated by use ofthe data, as required. Because of a high access speed, the timing atwhich a sound is produced can be controlled with high accuracy. Incontrast, if the MIDI data or waveform data are read from the hard disk,the timing at which a sound is produced will be slightly roughlycontrolled because of a low access speed. The reading of sound data isswitched between the RAM 25 and the hard disk 24 depending onapplications.

For instance, if “SE=XX . . . ” is written in the object, the sound datawill be read from the RAM 25 (the sound data have previously been loadedin the RAM 25 in this case). On the other hand, if “Sound=OOO . . . ” iswritten in the object, the sound data will be directly read from thehard disk 24. In this case, “SE” is used for producing sound data thatneed synchronization.

[3] Accounting

Next, accounting operations for the case of pay services will bedescribed. The following descriptions of the accounting are based on theassumption that service 1, service 2 and service 4 of such hierarchicalmenus and services as shown in FIG. 23 which are surrounded with abroken line are pay services. Whether or not the service is a payservice is determined by describing a pay service in the script (object)of the information service which needs accounting.

An accounting check operation carried out by the CPU 22 will bedescribed. For the above-described case, the CPU 22 initially carriesout an accounting check operation, for example, according to a flowchartshown in FIG. 24. Whether or not the current information service is apay service is determined in step SP1. This determination is made on thebasis of the description of the object. If the result of thedetermination is NO, the accounting check operation will not beexecuted. In contrast, if the result of the determination made in stepSP1 is YES, whether or not a valid card (e.g., a credit card) is used isdetermined in step SP2. The determination is made on the basis of thedetected signal sent from the card terminal 70 shown in FIG. 20. If avalid card is used, the processing escapes from the accountingoperations shown in FIG. 24 in order to settle a charge using the card.On the other hand, if an invalid card is used, whether or not a cashpayment is sufficient will be determined in step SP3.

In other words, it is determined whether or not the amount of coins andbills inserted into the cash inserting unit 50 is more than a charge ofthe service to be executed from now. If the amount of inserted cash issufficient, the service will be immediately executed. Then, theprocessing escapes from the accounting check operations. In contrast, ifthe amount of inserted cash is insufficient, a shortage message appearson the screen in step SP4, and the processing proceeds to step SP5. FIG.25 shows an exemplary display of the shortage in step SP4. Specifically,an information display reading “Shortage of - - - yen” appears, whichlets the user know that there is a shortage of the inserted cash. If theuser inserts cash corresponding to the shortage into the cash insertingunit 50, a detection signal is output from the cash inserting unit 50.The CPU 22 receives this detection signal and outputs a result “YES” instep SP5. Then, the accounting service is executed (step SP6). Incontrast, if the user presses the cancel key CLK in response to theinformation display shown in FIG. 25, or if no cash is inserted into thecash inserting unit within a given period of time, NO will be output asa determination result in step SP5. Then, the current processing escapesfrom the pay service, and the processing returns to the display of anupper menu (step SP7). Instead of returning to the display of an uppermenu display, the processing may return to the karaoke mode.

For example, newly released music inquiry service may be mentioned asone example of the pay service. For example, the previously-describeddisplay as shown in FIG. 16 appears on the display, and newly releasedsongs are introduced one another by vertically scrolling the textinformation that consists of titles of music, names of artists, andmusic numbers. The title of a guidance screen and image information,such as a picture or a photograph, are displayed in fixed positions onthe screen together with the newly released song information in additionto the icon IC5 for use in pressing the start key STK.

If an operator presses the start key STK, an information file displayedon the left side of the icon is executed. Then, karaoke music or compactdisk music (the performance of music together with lyrics by playingback a compact disk) of that song is started. In this case, thecorresponding compact disk has already been set in the CD changer 60 bya serviceman. The accounting check processing shown in FIG. 24 isstarted when the start key STK is pressed. If the amount of insertedmoney is insufficient, the new music is not played.

If a predetermined period of time has elapsed after karaoke music of anewly released song has been started, the operation of the cancel keyCLK is invalidated. Control information for invalidating key operationsis written in the object. For example, the control information iswritten into the object so as to invalidate a predetermined key signalif given conditions are satisfied. To invalidate the key, the controlinformation may be written in the Delay box of the object. For example,the control information may be described such that a predetermined keyis invalidated after a lapse of five seconds since the service screenhas been displayed. Another example of such control is the case where aservice of pay information is forcefully executed by invalidating thecancel key if the user continuously watches that pay information for acertain period of time.

The pay service may find the following applications. For example, ordersfor drinks and meals in a karaoke bar (in the compartment-style karaokebar) are accepted in the form of an entry of music numbers, and theacceptance of the order is dealt with as the pay service. In this case,the user can settle up a bill by inserting the money for the bill intothe cash inserting unit as well as being able to order meals etc. by theremote control unit.

In some compartment-style karaoke bars, hire of a compartment is chargedby the hour. In this case, the karaoke terminal is provided with a timerfor counting the leased time. The CPU 22 is arranged so as to receive atime signal from the timer (i.e., an interrupt signal). As a result, theCPU 22 can grasp a total time for which the user has leased thecompartment. If the leased time corresponding to the amount of moneyinserted by the user ends, the accounting check processing shown in FIG.24 will be started so as to give the user notice of the shortage of themoney. In this case, the automatic settlement of the hire charge becomespossible.

[4] Log

FIG. 26 shows the tree structure of the menus and information services.As illustrated in the drawing, where there are menus and informationservices 1 to 8, it is possible to conveniently grasp the use of menusand information services by logging which of menus or informationservices is accessed (or how many times the menus and informationservices are accessed).

To this end, the karaoke terminal of the present embodiment is providedwith a flag register FL, as shown in FIG. 26. A flag 1 is set in a bitcorresponding to the accessed menu or information service. The bits ofthe flag register FL correspond to predetermined menus and informationservices. Accordingly, the details of the flag register FL make itpossible to grasp the use of the menus and information services.

It is possible to grasp which of menus or information services isaccessed if it is determined which of objects has been executed. Apredetermined bit of the flag register FL is written when the CPU 22executes an object.

If the number of accesses of each menu or information service is logged,it will be desirably possible to grasp the use of the menu or serviceinformation more accurately. FIG. 27 shows one example of theconfiguration of the communication karaoke system that carries out theabove-described control operations. As shown in the drawing, the numberof accesses of each menu or information service is logged in eachaddress of a predetermined memory location within the RAM 25. In short,the CPU 22 recognizes which of menus or information services is executedwhen executing the object. Then, the number of times the correspondingaddress is accessed is incremented.

If the above-described operations are carried out, it becomes possibleto grasp the use of each menu or service information in a very detailedmanner by observing a predetermined memory location of the RAM 25. It isalso possible to read the information related to the number of accessesstored in the RAM 25 at predetermined time intervals or each time thehost computer 1 issues a request. The thus-read information may betransferred to the host computer 1 via the communications interface 21.In this event, it is possible for the host computer 1 to carry outmarket research in order to know, e.g., what kind of information serviceis popular, and the result of the market research can be utilized toproduce new information services.

The CPU 22 can switch the order of menu options in the menu depending onthe number of accesses of the menu options (e.g., menu options having alarge number of accesses are arranged in higher ranking). In this case,the descriptions of a predetermined object are partially changeddepending on the number of accesses, and the order in which the menuoptions are displayed is also changed.

[5] LED Display

The control of an LED display provided in the front panel of the mainbody of the karaoke terminal will be described. In many cases, a commonkaraoke terminal is provided with an LED display. This LED display isusually used only for displaying the number of reserved music.

The LED display of the present embodiment is used not only for merelydisplaying the number of reserved music but also for effecting a varietyof indications. Specifically, the control information of the LED display55 is written in each object so that the LED display 55 carries outindications suitable for the characteristics of the menu or informationservice.

For example, if “LED=. . . ” is described in the object, the CPU 22 willcontrol the LED display 55 according to the details of the script. FIG.28A shows 7-segment LEDs which illuminate figures in two rows in astaggered configuration, whereas FIG. 28B shows 7-segment LEDs whichilluminate the figures in a reversed manner. So long as the 7-segmentLEDs is displayed alternately in the manners as shown in FIGS. 28A and28B. As a result, illumination effects can be obtained as if lightsactively move.

The control information of an LED display unit 55 is individuallydescribed for each object, the LED indications having a wide variety canbe effected depending on menus and information services. In this case,the control of the LED display unit as well as the control of only thedisplay 35 can be written in the object. Therefore, there is no need toseparately prepare a special program for LED control purposes.

C: Others

[1] Although the previously described embodiment is based on theapplication of the present invention to the communication karaokesystem, the present invention can be applied to a general computersystem as a matter of course. For example, where there are many objectfiles to be executed in a common computer system, lists will beautomatically generated according to genre by virtue of the automaticmenu generating operations, which affords convenience to an operator.

As described above, by virtue of the computer system and the karaokesystem, menus can be automatically generated according to genre on thebasis of variations in information services to be offered. Further, byvirtue of the karaoke system of the present invention, a karaokeperformance can be carried out while the information service is offeredto the user.

As previously described, by virtue of the present invention, a menu canbe automatically generated according to the individual status of theuser.

As described above, by virtue of the present invention, it is possibleto grasp the use of information services, whereby customers needs andmarket trends can be obtained. Particularly, by virtue of the computersystem and the karaoke system of the present invention, the sequence ofmenus of information services changes depending on the use ofinformation services, which makes it possible to maintain the ease ofuse.

As described above, by virtue of the present invention, accountingoperations can be carried out appropriately even when pay informationservices are offered. Specifically, a karaoke system is capable ofautomatically carrying out a settling operation with respect to variousaccounting operations.

As described above, where a variety of information services such ascommercial messages are offered, data to be used (e.g., image, musicalsound, or sound source data) can be shared among files which provideservice. Further, the utilization of data can also be managed easily.

As described above, by virtue of the present invention, it is possibleto quickly access a desired service with simple operations. Further, byvirtue of the present invention, it is possible to easily accept akaraoke request while an information service is offered.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system comprising: storage means forstoring a plurality of object files, each object file containing atleast one instruction executable by the computer system and informationon a genre of each object file; and processing means for automaticallyselecting an object file from the storage means and executing the atleast one instruction in the selected object file, wherein said selectedat least one instruction constituted a variety of advertisements, games,or information.
 2. The computer system as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising: retrieval means for retrieving object files classified in aspecified genre; list generating means for generating a list includingtitles that correspond to the object files retrieved by the retrievalmeans; and display means for displaying the list generated by the listgenerating means.
 3. The computer system as defined in claim 2, whereineach object file has title information for use in displaying a titlethat suits the contents of that object file, and the list generatingmeans generates the list on the basis of the title information containedin the object file retrieved by the retrieval means.
 4. The computersystem as defined in claim 1, further comprising: genre determinationmeans for determining the specified genre in response to a user'soperations.
 5. The computer system as defined in any one of claims 1through 4, wherein the computer system implements a karaoke system, thekaraoke system including: karaoke playing means which synthesizes amusical sound by reading the karaoke music information from the storagemeans and produces an output by mixing the synthesized musical soundwith a voice input through a microphone; and switching means forswitching between the execution of the object file and the performanceof karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means.
 6. Thecomputer system as defined in claim 5, wherein the performance ofkaraoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means is described inthe at least one instruction of the object file as a selectableinstruction.
 7. The computer system as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising: ID information reading means for reading ID information thatincludes personal information of a user; genre determination means fordetermining an individual genre corresponding to the personalinformation read by the ID information reading means; retrieval meansfor retrieving object files which fall within both a specified genre andthe individual genre determined by the genre determination means; listgenerating means for generating a list including titles that correspondto the object files retrieved by the retrieval means; and display meansfor displaying the list generated by the list generating means.
 8. Thecomputer system as defined in claim 7, wherein each object file hastitle information for use in displaying a title that suits the contentsof that object file, and the list generating means generates the list onthe basis of the title information contained in the object fileretrieved by the retrieval means.
 9. The computer system as defined inclaim 7, further comprising genre determination means for determiningthe specified genre in response to a user's operations.
 10. The computersystem as defined in any one of claims 7 through 9, wherein the computersystem implements a karaoke system, the karaoke system including:karaoke playing means which synthesizes a musical sound by reading thekaraoke music information from the storage means and produces an outputby mixing the synthesized musical sound with a voice input through amicrophone; and switching means for switching between the execution ofthe object file and the performance of karaoke music carried out by thekaraoke playing means.
 11. The computer system as defined in claim 10,wherein the performance of karaoke music carried out by the karaokeplaying means is described in the program of the object file as aselectable instruction.
 12. The computer system as defined in claim 10,wherein the ID information is stored in an ID card, and the IDinformation reading means is made up of an ID card reader.
 13. Acomputer system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: determinationmeans for determining whether or not each object file has been executed;and execution status storage means for storing a determination result,which is made by the determination means, for each objet file.
 14. Acomputer system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: storagemeans for storing how many times each object has been executed, on thebasis of a determination result of the determination means.
 15. Thecomputer system as defined in claim 14, further comprising: menugeneration means for generating a menu for the object which changes thesequence of display of menus on the basis of the number of times eachobject is executed that is stored in the number-of-times storage means.16. The computer system as defined in any one of claims 13 through 15,wherein the computer system implements a karaoke system, the karaokesystem including: karaoke playing means which synthesizes a musicalsound by reading the karaoke music information from the storage meansand produces an output by mixing the synthesized musical sound with avoice input through a microphone; and switching means for switchingbetween the execution of the object file and the performance of karaokemusic carried out by the karaoke playing means.
 17. The computer systemas claimed in claim 1, further comprising: karaoke playing means whichsynthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke music informationfrom the storage means and produces an output by mixing the synthesizedmusical sound with a voice input through a microphone; switching meansfor switching between the execution of the object file and theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means;cash inserting device that outputs information about the amount of moneyinserted by a user; determination means for determining whether or notthe object file is executed or whether or not the karaoke playing meansperforms karaoke music by comparing the amount of money inserted by theuser with a charge for the execution of the object file or theperformance of karaoke music, if the execution of the object file or theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke is a payservice; and accounting means that permits the execution of the objectfile or the performance of karaoke music if the determination means hasdetermined that the execution of the object file or the performance ofkaraoke music is allowable, and that displays a message so as toencourage the user to insert money as well as rendering the terminationof the execution of the object file or performance of karaoke musicselectable if the determination means has determined that the executionof the object file or the performance of karaoke music is not allowable,wherein the determination means again determines whether or not theobject file is executed or whether or note the karaoke playing meansperforms karaoke music, in consideration of newly received moneyinformation if the money information is output from the cash insertingdevice after the accounting means has encouraged the user to insertmoney.
 18. The computer system as defined in claim 17, furthercomprising: operation means for providing instructions regarding variousprocessing operations in accordance with the user's operations; andoperation invalidating means that invalidates specific operations, whichare performed by operation means, under predetermined conditions afterthe accounting means has permitted the execution of the object file orthe performance of karaoke music.
 19. The computer system as defined inclaim 1, wherein data referred to by the program of the object file areindividually stored in the storage means as a resource file, and anarbitrary resource can be specified by the at least one instruction ofeach object file.
 20. The computer system as defined in claim 19,further comprising: information file receiving means that receives aninformation file consisting of the object file and the resource file,and that individually stores into the storage mean the object file andthe resource file contained in the received information file.
 21. Acomputer system that employs the computer system as defined in any oneof claims 7 through 9 comprising: karaoke playing means whichsynthesizes a musical sound by reading the karaoke music informationfrom the storage means and produces an output by mixing the synthesizedmusical sound with a voice input through a microphone; and switchingmeans for switching between the execution of the object file and theperformance of karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means.22. The computer system as defined in claim 21, wherein the performanceof karaoke music carried out by the karaoke playing means is describedin the at least one instruction of the object file as a selectableinstruction.
 23. The computer system as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising: karaoke playing means for synthesizing a musical sound byreading the karaoke music information from the storage means andproducing an output by mixing the synthesized musical sound with a voiceinput through a microphone; switching means for switching between theexecution of the object file and the performance of karaoke musiccarried out by the karaoke playing means; an object file for use indisplay a menu that is stored in the storage means, and that includes aprogram for displaying a title list matching up with predeterminedobject files and a program for encouraging the execution of an objectfile when it is selected from the title list; and object file executioninstructing means for providing an instruction for execution of the menudisplay object file when a predetermined operation is carried out by auser.
 24. The computer system as defined in claim 23, wherein thekaraoke playing means produces a request queue which represents eachrequested sound each time karaoke music is requested, and synthesizes amusical sound by sequentially reading the karaoke music information inaccordance with the order of the request queues, and wherein the objectfile execution instructing means produces an instruction for executingthe menu display object file after the performance of the karaoke musiccorresponding to the last request queue has finished if the requestqueue is prepared when the predetermined operations are performed. 25.The computer system as defined in claim 23, wherein the karaoke playingmeans produces a request queue which represents each requested soundeach time karaoke music is requested, and synthesizes a musical sound bysequentially reading the karaoke music information in accordance withthe order of the request queues, and wherein the object file executioninstructing means produces an instruction for executing the menu displayobject file immediately after the karaoke music currently being playedhas finished if the request queue is prepared when the predeterminedoperations are performed.
 26. The computer system as defined in claim 24or 25, wherein the performance of karaoke music carried out by thekaraoke playing means is described in the program of the object file asa selectable instruction.
 27. The computer system as defined in claim26, wherein if the performance of music carried out by the karaokeplaying means is specified by the program of the object file, theperformance of the music requested during the course of execution of anobject file is prioritized in an interrupted manner, irrespective of arequest queue which has already been generated when the performance isspecified.
 28. The computer system as defined in claim 26, wherein ifthe performance of music carried out by the karaoke playing means isspecified by the program of the object file, a second request queue isadded so as to follow the request queue that has already been generatedat the time of the initiation of the object file after the secondrequest queue has been generated with respect to the music requestedduring the execution of the object file as well as the execution of theobject file having finished.